This weekend marks the official start of summer — even though it's felt like summer for the last month in Tucson.
The weekend not only brings the heat, but also a slew of things to do: an anniversary concert for Slow Jams, the last movie at Reid Park for the summer, the return of a monsoon reading party at The Fox, an art hike in Mount Lemmon and an after-hours event at Ignite Sign Art Museum.
Of course, things can change quickly these days. Check for the latest info before heading out!
Maribel Yang, center, talks with Paul Elliott, right, about her idea for a pocket during MOCA’s annual summer camp.
Free Third Thursdays at MOCA
The third Thursday of the month is a party at MOCA. The art museum is open late with free admission. Expect food, drinks, tunes from KXCI DJs and a youth fashion showcase.
When: 5-9 p.m. Thursday, June 20
Where: Museum of Contemporary Art Tucson, 265 S. Church Ave.
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Vine and Dine at Tohono Chul
Attend this wine series at Tohono Chul's Garden Bistro, set to feature a five-course dinner paired with wines from Dos Cabezas Wineworks.
When: 5:30-8:30 p.m. Thursday, June 20
Where: Tohono Chul, 7366 N. Paseo del Norte
Cost: $125
Visit the event page for more information.
Events at Life Under the Oaks Lavender Farm
June might bring hot temperatures to Tucson, but it brings lavender to Oracle. It's officially bloom season at the Life Under the Oaks Lavender Farm and the owners are celebrating! This week, enjoy tours and lavender wreath workshops.
When: Tours are 10 a.m. June 20 and June 22; lavender wreaths are 9:30 a.m. June 20-23
Where: Life Under the Oaks Lavender Farm, 1221 N. Rancho Robles Road, Oracle
Cost: $15 for tours and tastings, $45 to make a lavender wreath
Visit the event page for more information.
Discovery Nights at Children's Museum Tucson
Visit Children's Museum Tucson for a free night of science and art, including story times and pop-up science experiments.
When: 5-7 p.m. Thursdays
Where: Children's Museum Tucson, 200 S. Sixth Ave.
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Walking tours with the Presidio Museum
Explore Tucson's downtown area with walking tours hosted by the Presidio Museum. Upcoming tours include the History of Congress Street, Barrio Viejo and Murals & More.
When: 6:30-8 p.m. Thursday, June 20 for Congress; 5:30-7 p.m. Sunday, June 23 for Barrio Viejo; 5:30-7 p.m. Sunday, June 23 for Murals & More
Where: Locations vary based on tour.
Cost: $30. Pre-registration is required.
Visit the event page for more information.
Movies at Reid Park
Catch Cox's last family-friendly movie in Reid Park of the summer! There will be pre-show entertainment including music, games and prizes. Food trucks will be onsite, too. The movie, "Trolls Band Together," begins when the sun goes down.
When: 6 p.m. Friday, June 21
Where: Demeester Outdoor Performance Center in Reid Park, 800 S. Concert Place
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for food trucks. Bring chairs or blankets!
Visit the event page for more information.
Lauryn Hill Listening Party
Roux Events is hosting a listening party at Revel Wine Bar, featuring hits by Lauryn Hill.
When: 8-10:30 p.m. Friday, June 21
Where: Revel Wine Bar, 416 E. Ninth St.
Cost: $15 for reserved seating
Visit the event page for more information.
Customers shop the assortment of oils, sprays, candles and bath bombs for sale during the Ghoulentine's Mini Market at Monsoon Mystics on Feb. 10.
Microburst Market
Monsoon Mystics is hosting three more night markets this summer! This Friday, expect around 14 vendors selling jewelry, snacks, crocheted plushies and more.
When: 6-10 p.m. June 21, July 27, Aug. 24
Where: Monsoon Mystics and Heathen Haus, 657 W. St Marys Road
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit the event page for more information.
Sunday Night Slow Jams 30th Anniversary
A popular radio show that started in Tucson featuring R&B ballads is coming back to town to celebrate its 30th anniversary. The Sunday Night Slow Jams 30th anniversary party and concert takes place this Friday with Hi-Five and 112. Originally started in Tucson by DJ and show host R Dub, the show is now heard on over 200 radio stations in 17 countries.
When: 6:30 p.m. Friday, June 21
Where: Desert Diamond Sahuarita, 1100 W. Pima Mine Road
Tickets: $40-$60
Visit the event page for more information.
"Willy Wonka" by Saguaro City Music Theatre
Saguaro City Music Theatre is bringing Roald Dahl's "Willy Wonka" to life.
When: June 21-23
Where: Berger Performing Arts Center, 1200 W. Speedway
Cost: $20 for adults, $10 for kids
Visit the event page for more information.
The June 2024 G3
G3 Tucson, the city's gay happy hour group, is hosting a colorful party in celebration of Pride. Dress in vibrant attire and enjoy rainbow-inspired cocktails.
When: 5 p.m. Friday, June 21
Where: Playground Bar & Lounge, 278 E. Congress St.
Cost: $9, your first drink is included. This event is for ages 21 and up.
Visit the event page for more information.
Summer Happy Hours with #ThisIsTucson
The secret's out: we curated a happy hour menu at The Moonstone, Tucson's highest rooftop bar. Enjoy specials on food and drinks and shop from vendors, all while enjoying the mountain views.
When: 5-7 p.m. Fridays, June 21, July 5 and July 19
Where: The Moonstone inside Graduate Tucson, 930 E. Second St.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for food, drinks and shopping
Visit the event page for more information.
Pastry x Beer Pairing
1912 Brewing Co. is partnering with vegan bakery Houlden's Rise Above for a trio beer and pastry pairing. The pairings are first come, first served!
When: 2 p.m. Friday, June 21
Where: 1912 Brewing Co., 2045 N. Forbes Blvd.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for pastries and beer
Visit the event page for more information.
Friends of the Library Community Sale
Check out this community sale hosted by Friends of the Pima County Public Library, where you'll find books and puzzles.
When: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday-Monday, June 21-24
Where: Friends of the Pima County Public Library, 2230 N. Country Club Road
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit the event page for more information.
The crowd lines up under the marquee at the Rialto Theatre, 318 E. Congress, for the Ian Munsick concert, Tucson, Ariz., April 25, 2023.
Local Love Presents
Enjoy a lineup of local music at The Rialto during the venue's Local Love series.
When: 7 p.m. Friday, June 21
Where: Rialto Theatre, 318 E. Congress St.
Cost: $5-$8
Visit the event page for more information.
Strawberry Moon Market
Woolly Fern and Sarah Slaykitty are putting together a market this Friday, featuring a strawberry theme! Shop from local vendors, sip on strawberry drinks, and enjoy a strawberry-themed apothecary and candle bar.
When: 5-9 p.m. Friday, June 21
Where: Screwbean Brewing, 103 N. Park Ave.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping and drinks
Visit the event page for more information.
Queer Speed Dating
Find your next date or make a new friend at this queer speed dating event!
When: 7-9:30 p.m. Friday, June 21
Where: Bawker Bawker Cider House, 400 N. Fourth Ave.
Cost: Free to participate with the purchase of one drink. This event is for ages 21 and up.
Visit the event page for more information.
Reds Tacos Grand Opening
Reds Tacos is celebrating the grand opening of its new brick-and-mortar! Enjoy a weekend filled with free gift bags and tacos, games and prizes.
When: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday-Sunday, June 21-23
Where: Reds Tacos, 6401 W. Marana Center Blvd.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for food
Visit the event page for more information.
Chillin at the Chul
Check out music, spirits and bites at Tohono Chul's summer series. On Saturdays, Tohono Chul has partnered with Children's Museum Oro Valley to provide family-friendly nature play.
When: 6-9 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays through Aug. 31
Where: Tohono Chul, 7366 N. Paseo del Norte
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for food and drinks
Visit the event page for more information.
Cat events at El Jefe Cat Cafe
Spend time with the cats at El Jefe Cat Cafe! This weekend's events include a sound bath and cat bingo.
When: 7-8 p.m. Friday, June 21 for sound bath; 6-7 p.m. Sunday, June 23 for cat bingo
Where: El Jefe Cat Cafe, 3025 N. Campbell Ave.
Cost: $25 for sound bath; $14 for bingo, reservations required.
Visit the event page for more information.
The museum's beaver plies the waters near an observation window during the Mad About Monsoons edition of the Cool Summer Nights at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, Tucson, Ariz., July 16, 2022.
Cool Summer Nights
Enjoy the sights of the Desert Museum at night — in cooler temperatures! Bring a flashlight to walk around and possibly spot a nocturnal animal, touch a stingray and check out themed activities.
When: 6-9 p.m. Saturdays through Aug. 24
Where: Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, 2021 N. Kinney Road
Cost: $29.95 for adults, $19.95 for kids ages 3-12. $24.95 for Arizona residents.
Visit the event page for more information.
Summer Safari Nights
Enjoy the cooler evening temperatures at Reid Park Zoo's after-hours Summer Safari Nights. Each event will have different themed activities including keeper chats, animal encounters, giraffe feedings, games and live music.
When: 6-8 p.m. Saturdays through Aug. 10
Where: Reid Park Zoo, 3400 E. Zoo Court
Cost: $10.50 for adults, $6.50 for kids ages 2-14
Visit the event page for more information.
Retro Game Show Night
Enjoy an evening of off-the-cuff (and sometimes NSFW) comedy that pays homage to old TV game shows with a funky twist.
When: 7 p.m. Saturday, June 22
Where: Club Congress, 311 E. Congress St.
Cost: $19.06. This event is for ages 21 and up.
Visit the event page for more information.
Monsoon Literacy Celebration
This kid-friendly event, recommended for children ages 4-10 years old, will include hands-on literacy activities, animated short movies, story times and a sing-along with musicians from the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum.
When: 2 p.m. Saturday, June 22
Where: Fox Tucson Theatre, 17 W. Congress St.
Cost: Free to attend, register online
Visit the event page for more information.
Loft Kids Fest
Every Saturday and Sunday morning in June, free family-friendly movie screenings will take place indoors at The Loft with pre-show entertainment from local toy shop Mildred & Dildred.
When: Doors open at 9:15 a.m. for pre-show activities and movies begin at 10 a.m. weekends in June.
Where: The Loft Cinema, 3233 E. Speedway
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Ignite at Night
Ignite Sign Art Museum is staying open late this Saturday! Explore the museum, watch a video about the history of neon and enjoy snacks.
When: 6:30-9 p.m. Saturday, June 22
Where: Ignite Sign Art Museum, 331 S. Olsen Ave.
Cost: $15 in advance, $20 at the door
Visit the event page for more information.
Dirty T Market
Every month, local spicy candy shop Dirty T Tamarindo hosts a monthly market featuring vendors, food, music, games and a dunk tank. June's event will feature a mechanical bull!
When: 6-9 p.m. Saturday, June 22
Where: Dirty T Tamarindo, 1211 W. St Marys Road
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for food and shopping
Visit the event page for more information.
Cameo Cruz, jewelry maker of Lower Arizona Jewelry seen here at a Las Mujeres Verdes mercado, creates custom Xicana-inspired statement pieces.
Las Mujeres Verdes Mercado
Las Mujeres Verdes is back with another monthly market! These markets typically include around 30 vendors selling food, jewelry, candles and more.
When: 5-9 p.m. Saturday, June 22
Where: Coalition Space, 311 E. Seventh St.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit the event page for more information.
Buds & Blooms
Local garden center Eco Gro is hosting Buds & Blooms, an event featuring around 40 food and art vendors, cannabis and a DJ.
When: 6-9 p.m. Saturday, June 22
Where: Eco Gro, 657 W. St Marys Road
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping and food
Visit the event page for more information.
Electric Feels: Indie Rock + Dance Party
Join this indie party for a night of dancing to a DJ mixing Tame Impala, MGMT, Arctic Monkeys, Passion Pit, Dayglow and more.
When: 9:30 p.m. Saturday, June 22
Where: The Rialto Theatre, 318 E. Congress St.
Cost: $15. This event is for ages 18 and up.
Visit the event page for more information.
Warped Tour FM Pop Punk and Emo Tucson Takeover
If you miss Warped Tour, this concert might be up your alley. Phoenix band Warped Tour FM pays tribute to pop punk and emo music.
When: 8 p.m. Saturday, June 22
Where: The Rock, 136 N. Park Ave.
Cost: $10
Visit the event page for more information.
Loud Proud
This fundraiser for Tucson Pride is packed with a lineup of performances at Bumsted's.
When: 7-9 p.m. Saturday, June 22
Where: Bumsted's, 1003 N. Stone Ave.
Cost: $10
Visit the event page for more information.
Pride Bar Crawl
This bar crawl stops at several bars, ending with an after party at Hi Fi.
When: 4 p.m. to midnight Saturday, June 22
Where: Check in at HighWire Tucson, 30 S. Arizona Ave.
Cost: $25 in advance, $30 day of
Visit the event page for more information.
Summer Craft Fair and Wine Tasting
Old Pueblo Cellars is hosting a craft fair featuring vendors alongside wine tastings and music.
When: Noon to 6 p.m. Saturday, June 22
Where: Old Pueblo Cellars, 10088 N. Saint Patrick Road
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping. Reservations are required for wine tastings.
Visit the event page for more information.
'90s Dance Party at Surly Wench
Surly Wench Pub is hosting a '90s dance party! Wear your best '90s-themed attire.
When: 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Saturday, June 22
Where: Surly Wench Pub, 424 N. Fourth Ave.
Cost: $5. This event is for ages 21 and up.
Visit the event page for more information.
An individual enjoys the Laser Taylor Swift show at the Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium in Tucson.
Laser Shows at Flandrau
While Flandrau's Taylor Swift-themed laser night is sold out this weekend, there are still tickets available for Laser Journey and Laser Foo Fighters!
When: Saturday, June 22; 8 p.m. for Journey, 9:30 p.m. for Foo Fighters
Where: Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium, 1601 E. University Blvd.
Cost: $20.95, admission to science exhibits is included
Visit the event page for more information.
Canstruction Tucson: Build for Hunger
This art exhibit features "cansculptures" built with canned foods by teams of local architects, designers, builders, contractors and engineers. You can vote for your favorite sculpture by donating to the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona.
When: June 22-July 10
Where: Park Place Mall, 5870 E. Broadway
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Archaeology Day at Mission Garden
Kids can learn hands-on archaeology skills at Mission Garden's monthly Archaeology Day.
When: 8-11 a.m. Saturday, June 22
Where: Mission Garden, 946 W. Mission Lane
Cost: Free to attend, donations accepted
Visit the event page for more information.
The Game Show Show
Tucson Improv Movement is hosting an improvised game show! Drinks and snacks will be available for purchase.
When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, June 22
Where: Tucson Improv Movement, 414 E. Ninth St.
Cost: $9
Visit the event page for more information.
Desert Artisans Market
Shop jewelry, plushies, hand-painted tumblers, candles and more during this indoor artisan market featuring around 20 vendors.
When: 2-7 p.m. Saturday, June 22
Where: CATALYST in Tucson Mall, 4500 N. Oracle Road
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit the event page for more information.
Spell Jars with Libra & Thorn
Make a visit to metaphysical art shop Libra & Thorn where you'll be able to use herbs and crystals to create a spell jar.
When: 2-4 p.m. Saturday, June 22
Where: Libra & Thorn, 101 S. Pantano Road
Cost: $35
Visit the event page for more information.
Bachata Social Dance Night
Put on your dancing shoes for a night of music and mingling! Enjoy a bachata class followed by social dancing.
When: 8-11 p.m. Saturday, June 22
Where: Tucson Creative Dance Center, 3131 N. Cherry Ave.
Cost: $15, cash or Venmo
Visit the event page for more information.
Goat yoga
Enjoy an hour of yoga and goats with this class!
When: 9-10 a.m. Saturday, June 22
Where: Udall Park, 7290 E. Tanque Verde Road
Cost: $25
Visit the event page for more information.
Stephanie Daniels started Brushes & Boots in 2019 and led her first art hike in 2022.
Art Hike in Mount Lemmon
Local artist Stephanie Daniels, of Brushes and Boots, is leading an art hike in Mount Lemmon with company Kula Cloth. Bring your art supplies of choice and go hiking, stopping to draw surrounding scenery.
When: 8:45 a.m. Sunday, June 23
Where: Butterfly Trailhead, North Butterfly Road
Cost: Free to attend, register online
Visit the event page for more information.
Pride Drag Brunch 2024
Enjoy brunch favorites and Smirnoff cocktails alongside a drag show.
When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, June 23
Where: HighWire Tucson, 30 S. Arizona Ave.
Cost: $35
Visit the event page for more information.
Sky Island Pool Parties
It's officially the season for pool parties! Head to Hotel McCoy every Sunday for free pool parties featuring DJ Humblelianess.
When: 5-8 p.m. Sundays in June and July
Where: Hotel McCoy, 720 W. Silverlake Road
Cost: Free to attend, sign a waiver at the front desk
Visit the event page for more information.
Sonoran Splash Pool Parties at Hacienda del Sol
When the triple-digit heat strikes, there's almost nothing more refreshing than a dip in the pool. Enjoy drinks, food, lawn games and DJ sets at these pool parties.
When: 3-7 p.m. Sundays, June 23, July 14, July 28, Aug. 11, Aug. 25
Where: Hacienda del Sol, 5501 N. Hacienda del Sol Road
Cost: $35, includes a welcome gift and a free drink. This event is for ages 21 and up.
Visit the event page for more information.
Ceramic Planter Workshop
Head to groovy maker shop Arizona Poppy for a ceramic workshop led by Kara Wiesmann of Day Creek. You'll learn basic techniques to make a coil planter for your garden.
When: 4-6 p.m. Sunday, June 23
Where: Arizona Poppy, 150 S. Fourth Ave.
Cost: $55
Visit the event page for more information.
Bouquet and Beer Tasting at Pueblo Vida
Enjoy a bouquet-making class from Bloom Maven alongside a guided beer tasting from Pueblo Vida.
When: 2-4 p.m. Sunday, June 23
Where: Pueblo Vida Brewing Company, 115 E. Broadway
Cost: $75
Visit the event page for more information.
Cat yoga with Hermitage Shelter
Enjoy a morning of yoga and cats! Bring your own mat and water.
When: 10:30 a.m. Sunday, June 23
Where: Hermitage No-Kill Cat Shelter and Sanctuary, 5278 E. 21st St.
Cost: $25, RSVP in advance
Visit the event page for more information.
Explore nature through fun, hands-on exhibits at Children’s Museum Oro Valley at Tohono Chul
CMOV@TC has indoor and outdoor exhibits with daily activities and programming for kids and families that mesh with the environmental focus of Tohono Chul, teaching all about the culture, animals and plants of the Sonoran Desert!
What does "supported by" mean? Click here to learn more.
